Steve Brooder

Steve Brooder will retire as president and CEO of St. Matthew’s House on Oct. 1 after more than a decade of leadership, the nonprofit announced. Ben Bridges, currently vice president of programs, will succeed him following a planned transition. Bridges brings two decades of nonprofit leadership, including a distinguished career with The Salvation Army, where he served five years as executive director in Naples. Since joining St. Matthew’s House in 2023, Bridges has overseen shelters, addiction recovery, outreach, transitional housing and food assistance programs. Brooder led the faith-based organization through significant growth, expanding its social enterprise model and community reach. He will remain in an advisory role through the end of 2025. St. Matthew’s House has served Southwest Florida for 37 years, offering services for those facing hunger, homelessness and addiction.